Research & Development

If you think for a second, the biggest innovations that are shaking the world of today started with R&D. This stage has been fundamental in any industrial revolution, including additive manufacturing. This segment highlights the latest AM developments in the R&D sector.

First findings on the effect of vibration-assisted drilling and machine hammer peening on metal 3D printed parts

As part of a joint study, the Institute for Production Engineering and Photonic Technologies (IFT) at TU Wien and research company FOTEC, studied the...

A custom 3D printed medical-grade cushion for wheelchair users

Wheelchair users sometimes have to contend with health issues such as pressure injuries like pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores. These...

3D printed ferroelectric materials could eliminate harmful bacteria in heart valves and stents

New multi-material 3D printing technique gives materials antimicrobial properties, with scope to improve safety of implants including heart valves and stents A joint team of...

A step of the NASA Mars Dune Alpha project involves 3D printing of batteries from lunar and Martian soil

A couple of years ago, we talked about the NASA Mars Dune Alpha project that aims to 3D print future habitats on Mars. So...

Athlete Performance can be enhanced thanks to 3D Printed Insoles with Integrated Sensors

In elite sports, fractions of a second sometimes make the difference between victory and defeat. To optimize their performance, athletes use custom-​made insoles. But...

How gelatin biomaterials enhance reliability of 3D in vitro models, help to reduce animal testing

Darling Ingredients’ health brand Rousselot, an expert in collagen-based solutions, has found that utilization of highly purified gelatin biomaterials for 3D in vitro models can significantly...

How and Why Naddcon integrates AIM3D’ multi-material 3D printer into Siemens’ NX design software

The Naddcon research and development centre has recently integrated an ExAM 255 3D printer from AIM3D into Siemens’ NX design software. The NX tool contains...

When resorbable patient-specific implants are fabricated using metal 3D printing

As part of the BioStruct project, the RWTH Aachen University Chair Digital Additive Production DAP is developing an Additive Manufacturing process for a novel...

How 3D printing can help fabricate smart contact lenses that can implement AR-based navigation

A research team from South Korea has explored the use of 3D printing for the fabrication of smart contact lenses that can implement augmented...

MIT Researchers 3D print custom heart replicas that pump like real ones

MIT engineers are hoping to help doctors tailor treatments to patients’ specific heart form and function, with a custom robotic heart. The team has...